Why is Kidney Health Important?
Our kidneys play an incredibly important role in our health and well-being. They store jung energy, also known as "essence" in Eastern medicine, which is the energy that brings our physical health, stamina and longevity. This energy warms other organs and sends cool water energy up to the brain, while simultaneously sending physical water into the bladder to release toxins from the body.
The kidneys are associated with the emotion of fear. When we run on fear in our thoughts, emotions and/or actions, our kidneys are energetically affected and that energy can become blocked and stagnant.
This blocked energy can transmute into a variety of health and emotional ailments such as chronic fatigue, lower back pain, dark circles under the eyes, bladder issues, kidney stones and even kidney failure. In order to respect the power of the kidneys and support kidney health, there are many things you can do to cleanse toxins, get the energy moving and maintain overall balance.
As we are entering spring and leaving the grips of winter behind, this is a perfect time to practice a kidney flush or detox routine and energy stimulation if it’s new to you. However, kidney detox is incredibly important year-round.
With regular mindful kidney cleansing and meridian exercises, you can remove toxins from your body and keep the flow of Ki (life-force) energy strong.
This simple 2-step daily routine will not only help you wake up and tackle the day with a smile, but it can also help you eliminate toxins from your body and support long-term kidney health.
How to Improve Kidney Function:
Step 1: Lemon Water
Before you have your coffee, tea, or breakfast, drinking fresh lemon juice with hot or cold water will get your entire body ready for the day.
As the first thing you put in your body in the morning is also the first thing that will be filtered by your kidneys, this is an opportunity to drink something that will energize, cleanse, hydrate and nourish.
The benefits of lemon water include boosting your immune system with Vitamin C and potassium, cleansing your kidneys and liver, detoxifying the blood stream, energizing, balancing your pH, helping with weight loss, aiding in digestion, and hydrating your entire body.
Although lemons are highly acidic, when ingested they actually alkalize the body’s pH much like apple cider vinegar (which is highly effective in dissolving kidney stones and overall kidney health too). No disease can survive in an alkaline environment.
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, it can be very tough on your kidneys. Replacing your morning cup of Joe (even just a few days a week) with warm lemon water will help your body dissolve any small stones and wake you up without caffeine and the subsequent mid-day crash.
Depending on your weight, it is advised to have ½ a lemon if you’re under 160 pounds and a full lemon if you’re over 160 pounds and to fill the rest of the mug with water. When done regularly, it becomes easier for your body to maintain homeostasis, free of toxins and free radicals.
While drinking lemon water in the morning is great for your kidneys, staying hydrated throughout the day is highly important for basic kidney maintenance as well. Try to get into the habit of carrying a water bottle with you and filling it up when you’ve finished it.
Step 2: Kidney Meridian Exercise
Once you’re awake and hydrated, this 5-minute exercise will stimulate your kidney meridian and support overall kidney health and energy flow.
The kidney meridian runs from the sole of the foot, up the leg, through the first chakra and up to the heart.
To do this exercise, all you need is a chair and a smile!
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Using any standard sized chair, face the back of it at a comfortable distance and place your hands on the top for balance.
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With your heels together and big toes apart at about a 15 degree angle, ground into the soles of your feet. Pick all 10 toes up off the floor and then spread them out for optimum balance as you set them down. You should feel firmly planted on the floor (you can wear socks or do this with bare feet).
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Comfortably breathe here for about 15-seconds and allow your feet to feel deeply rooted to the Earth, channeling the energy up through your body.
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As you inhale, lift your heels and squeeze your sphincter and buttock muscles.
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Imagine the energy of the Earth flowing up through you to your first chakra and along your kidney meridian.
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Hold the position on the balls of your feet, breathing comfortably for 10-seconds.
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Exhale as you lower your heels to the ready position and relax everything for 10-seconds, breathing comfortably.
- Repeat steps 4-7 for about 5 minutes.
When you've finished, take a moment to feel the warmth in your body and give thanks for this opportunity to reconnect to your innate healing power.
In total, this morning ritual for kidney health should take no longer than 7-minutes from start to finish.
Adopting this simple practice into your current morning routine can dramatically transform your health, vitality and happiness. Without as many toxins in the body, your complexion may be the first to show signs of inner balance. With regular practice of this routine, you will begin to feel changes take place within as well, and as a result, your mind/body connection will be strengthened.
Try this kidney care routine and share your experience and transformation with us in the comments below!